CONVERSATION by Salyna Gracie

How well do we really know each other?

My world has been rocked. You know the feeling. Like a seasick sailor praying for land, I am washed away from the life I thought I knew just a few short weeks ago.

As a spiritual woman, in times of distress I reach for my heart, for loving kindness, for compassion, for God. But these days bring an uncertainty for the earth and humanity that presses in on my faith.

As a Jew, a Muslim and a bisexual woman of dubious Gypsy ancestry I am on Code Red Alert. My bones carry the memories of my people. They made sure to teach us as children to “never forget”. We. Have. Not. Forgotten.

This poem is an unlikely prayer, but, pray with me dear sisters….for a true conversation. Indeed a miracle we all need.

Conversation

by Salyna Gracie

Until you look into the depth of my eyes

Do you think you know me?

You think you know me

By the way I walk down the sidewalk

By the length of my skirt

And the curl of my hair

You think you know me

By the shape of my nose

And the shade of my skin

You think you know me

By the charm at my neck

And the silk on my brow

My dear friend, until you hear the catch in my throat

As I speak of love

Or feel the heat of my hand in yours

You don’t know me

Until you glimpse the hidden scars

I carry only on the inside

Or witness the ecstasy of my dance

You don’t know me

Until you meet me in true conversation

You won’t ever know my beauty

And I will never know yours

Photography by Yuko Ishii

Salyna Gracie is the executive director of Confluence Gallery and Art Center, a non-profit art gallery in rural Washington State, and a multi-media artist with a focus in dance, poetry and mixed-media visual art. Committed to the healing power of art, Salyna continues to explore new mediums as a deepening spiritual practice, and a window into her soul. You may contact her through her website here and her artwork here.

~If you are interested in seeing your poetry appear in this blog, or submitting a poem by a woman that has inspired you, please click here for submission guidelines. I greatly look forward to hearing from you!~

Comments

IMAGINE A WOMAN by Patricia Lynn Reilly

This poem invites you to look upon yourself with loving kindness… Gazing at your own true reflection, you will discover that everything you have longed for “out there” is already within you! I invite you to love your creativity fiercely. Faithfully plant seeds, allowing under-the-ground dormant seasons, nurturing your creative garden with love and gratitude. In the fullness of time, the green growing things thrust forth from the ground. It's a faithful, trustworthy process. AND it takes time and patience. Blessed is the fruit of your creative womb! I invite you to trust your vision of the world and express it. With wonder and delight, paint a picture, create a dance, write a book, and make up a song. To give expression to your creative impulses is as natural as your breathing. Create in your own language, imagery, and movement. Follow no script. Do not be limited by the customary way things have been expressed. Your creative intuition is original. Ga...

IN THE STILLNESS OF THE NIGHT by Ginny Brannan

Just take a moment to pause... When life becomes rote, and frustration grows from being immersed in the same routine—different day, sometimes we need to remind ourselves that peace is still there—within our grasp— if we just take a moment to pause and enjoy the stillness and beauty around us. In the Stillness of the Night by Ginny Brannan Late winter’s eve and all is still the lawn lies bathed in silver light— gray shadows race across the yard and climb atop the windowsill to draw my gaze upon the sight. I stare out to the moonlit night, across the deck and wooded path fresh–painted by new fallen snow. The scene infuses with delight; this gift inside storm’s aftermath. Half–buried now, the old birdbath lies shadowed deep in indigo— it waits on promise of the spring when arctic chill has finally passed and snow gives way to new green grass. With gratitude, I hedge to go; tranquility allays my soul… I turn ...

STILL I RISE by Maya Angelou

Six years ago, I had the privilege of listening to Maya Angelou speak live on the value of poetry at the University of Florida. I share these reflections with you again today, in honor of her birthday. I was relieved to get one of the last seats available for this rare event, having arrived at five for Maya Angelou ’s free speech at eight. The historically long line began with people settled into beach chairs in winter coats busying themselves on tablets, or eating sandwiches for dinner. As helicopters hovered above and newscasters below, I felt the excitement of realizing that thousands of people were gathering together to hear an eighty four year old black woman recite her poetry! Maya Angelou speaking at University of Florida on Feb. 27, 2013 When the curtain rose -after an overflow of hundreds were sent away- we lucky ones on the inside greeted Maya with a standing ovation, as she smiled sweetly, beginning her talk using metaphors from nature. Maya asked...

Journey of the Heart

Search This Blog